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It would be nice if I could just say I needed "personal time" but unfortunately, the managers want us to be more specific. A while back, I had to get approval from the next manager up to use sick time to have a flat tire replaced. Since then, I was advised by coworkers to use medical related excuses from then on.
Anyways, I just came out of the interview. I feel like it went pretty well, but I'll try not to get my hopes up.
Fingers crossed for you! I don't think it's right you have to give detailed excuses! None of their business!
What the hell? Do you have to give a reason for taking personal leave? Just say you have to take care of something in the morning and you will be in after lunch. Take the leave you have earned and don't apologize for god's sake.
It would be nice if I could just say I needed "personal time" but unfortunately, the managers want us to be more specific. A while back, I had to get approval from the next manager up to use sick time to have a flat tire replaced. Since then, I was advised by coworkers to use medical related excuses from then on.
Anyways, I just came out of the interview. I feel like it went pretty well, but I'll try not to get my hopes up.
That sucks. What excuse did you end up giving?
Enjoy a nice Mexican dinner and some adult beverages tonight. Then when you tell them you suffered Montezuma's revenge it will be the truth!
A family member's illness works well. Several years ago I used that one when I had an interview lined up in order to escape the tyrant I was working for at the time. My father had a heart attack earlier in the year and I told him I needed to take him to for a followup appointment where he wasn't allowed to drive himself.
Treating his employees like garbage led him to be paranoid (and rightfully so). So, when anyone out for any reason he would find some reason/excuse to call them that day because he was afraid they were looking for another job. I made sure I went over my parents' house after the interview and when my boss called my cell, I didn't answer. I immediately called him back from my parents' house so he'd see it on the caller ID and told him my cell phone was almost dead and I forgot my charger.
I consult for my clients in many ways. One of them involves interviewing potential employees.
The first question I ask if they're currently employed and it's within normal business hours?
"So how did you get time off from your employer before coming to this interview today?"
It is a foolproof test of someone's character. If they claim to have taken a personal day, no sweat. If they have lied and said they took a sick day, they are removed from the list of candidates. Because if someone will tell a small lie, they most certainly will tell a big one.
I consult for my clients in many ways. One of them involves interviewing potential employees.
The first question I ask if they're currently employed and it's within normal business hours?
"So how did you get time off from your employer before coming to this interview today?"
It is a foolproof test of someone's character. If they claim to have taken a personal day, no sweat. If they have lied and said they took a sick day, they are removed from the list of candidates. Because if someone will tell a small lie, they most certainly will tell a big one.
How is that foolproof? They could say they took a personal day. And be lying to you.
I don't approve of going around lying, but in this case a lie IS necessary. Should OP tell the truth to his boss that he's going on another job interview? What if the boss says okay then, just leave now since you're looking elsewhere? What if OP doesn't get the other job? Now he's unemployed. Most people don't tell their current employer when they're looking elsewhere. Everyone knows this.
I know, right? I've been in this situation myself, and my policy is always "be as vague as possible, so you're not technically LYING." Others have suggested something like "personal issues," and my favorite "I have an appointment that can't be scheduled any other time." Unless you work for REALLY nosy employers, they aren't going to question the unspecific appointment - as that could be anything from a colonoscopy to an IRS audit, and in most cases none of their business (as long as your job allows for personal leave time).
I was late for work today because my cat was sick all night, and we both didn't get to sleep until 8am... so when I called in about 30 minutes before my shift, I just said "I'm held up and will be a little late." I ended up telling my colleague the full story when I arrived, but since I'm in charge here, I have the luxury of being able to do that. LOL. For interviews, however, you do have to be more careful! I had an interview a couple of weeks ago, but since it was for internal transfer, they not only knew but actually PAID me for that time. Nice.
Anyway, I'd just go with the vaguest reason possible so you can't even be accused of lying. An interview is both a personal matter and an appointment, right?? So it's the truth!
How is that foolproof? They could say they took a personal day. And be lying to you.
Excellent point... and since that isn't something they can ask your employer (at least not here in CA), there is NO way for them to know. It is a good test of stupidity, however, since only a moron would actually say "I lied and called in sick."
How is that foolproof? They could say they took a personal day. And be lying to you.
You'd think. But the question always catches them off guard anyway. And I'm pretty good at smoking out a liar. Here are some of the boneheaded responses I've had to that question:
1) I told them I was sick.
2) I told them my car was in the shop.
3) I just left without telling them anything.
4) I told them I had to wait for the cable guy at home.
Uh huh. To me, there are actually valid things you can say to your current employer, ones that demonstrate a truthful personality:
1) I told them I was taking a long lunch to do some personal business.
2) I told them I needed to leave early so I worked through lunch.
3) I took a personal day.
And to the person whose boss was demanding to know the reason for a personal day, simply say, 'I'm taking a personal day.' No explanation should be necessary.
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